Pedophilia in the Window

pe·do·phil·i·a [pee-duh-fil-ee-uh] – n. abnormal sexual interest in an adult for a child; a desire to engage in sexual acts with prepubescent children.

Just reading the above definition is enough to make most people cringe. And for good reason. Pedophilia is something that breaks God’s heart. The Bible calls it sin (The Bible, Galatians 5:19-21). It also goes against common decency and morality, breaking the taboos of nearly every culture that has ever existed. Mental health professionals classify pedophilia as a psychological disorder. It is also universally considered a criminal offense.

Nevertheless, pedophilia is a problem throughout the world – especially in the nations of the 10/40 Window.

Thailand, for instance, is a “destination country” for pedophiles (those who practice pedophilia). Known as “sex tourists,” these people flock to this nation to take part in what is thought to be the largest child sex trade in the world. UNICEF estimates that between 60,000 and 200,000 Thai children are involved in prostitution. Approximate 5,000 men visit Thailand each year solely to have sex with children.

In Indonesia, instead of viewing children in the sex trade as victims, authorities often prosecuted them as “illegal sex workers.” The National Commission for Child Protection says that between 40,000 and 70,000 Indonesian children are caught up in the sex trade each year – “two-thirds of them trafficked abroad.”

Cambodia is described as a “haven” for sex tourists. Despite a crackdown in 2004, a brothel village near the city of Phnom Penh continues to hire out children for sex. A human rights group reports that Cambodians actually make up a large percentage of the world’s pedophiles. “We don’t deny that Asian men like to have sex with children here,” the director of Cambodia’s Anti-Human Trafficking Department admitted.

Japan is notorious for being the “world’s main producer of underage pornography.” The Philippines has an estimated 1.5 million street children, with more than 30,000 of them involved in prostitution.

Despite these staggering statistics, the problem is not reserved to Asia. The Middle East is also plagued by pedophilia. “After living in the Middle East for more than 10 years,” a journalist explains, “I can now safely say that pedophilia not only exists in these windswept deserts but that it is rampant.”

He goes on to list numerous examples – tragic stories of young children being abused by strangers and even family members. Most of these incidences are never made public, however, since this behavior is usually “swept under the rug.”

In Afghanistan, children are reportedly raped on a routine basis by members of the nation’s armed forces. “The sexual abuse of young boys by Afghan military and police personnel is so commonly known,” one writer says, “they call it ‘Man-Love Thursdays.’” But pedophilia is not confined to Man-Love Thursdays, the Afghan military, or even this particular region. “The sexual abuse of children is common and, in many middle-eastern and eastern countries, officially sanctioned.”

Whether the spotlight is focused on Vietnam, Kuwait, or Senegal (dubbed “a paradise for pedophiles”), the story is the same: children are being violated emotionally and physically while the perpetrators often enjoy anonymity and impunity.

The root cause of pedophilia is a perverted lust. But other factors are involved in and contribute to what is today a prosperous, growing industry. “Grinding poverty, poor policing and no shortage of demand,” explains one source, “ensure that exploitation of children for sex thrives….” Some children are kidnapped and forced into prostitution. Others are actually sold into sexual slavery by their families. Nearly all of the victims live in a constant state of fear, are beaten and tortured by both their pimps and clients, and are forced to endure appalling conditions.

The sick and demonized individuals who solicit children for sex often assuage their guilt by telling themselves they are “helping the child and the child’s family to escape economic hardship.” If they don’t hire them to satisfy their sexual needs, pedophiles sometimes rationalize, the children will suffer even greater poverty and hunger.

Inside the 10/40 Window, pedophiles are seldom arrested or prosecuted. Sex with underage children is tolerated and even accepted in parts of North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“Pedophilia is a horrendous crime,” notes one journalist. “[It] should be treated as such no matter the culture, tradition or religious beliefs. Rape of a child is a sin like no other.”

PRAY FOR:

repentance on the part of “clients,” pimps, and those in authority who enable this business/crime to flourish. Ask the Lord to confront them, give them godly sorrow, and lead them to salvation. (The Bible, II Corinthians 7:10)

governments in the 10/40 Window to take immediate action against pedophilia. Pray for those who are seeking out this perverted activity to be arrested, prosecuted severely and imprisoned. Pray for this to have a preventative effect, bringing an end to both availability and demand. (The Bible, Psalm 7:11)

the hearts of the men who engage in pedophilia to be set free from this demonic bondage. Ask the Holy Spirit to move in their lives, leading them out from sin and into relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Galatians 5:1,19-24)

the Lord of Hosts to arise and do battle on behalf of the children who are being exploited, violated, damaged and destroyed by this crime. Pray for the Lord to open doors and lead them out of this industry. Ask Him to minister deep and complete healing to their bodies, minds and hearts. (The Bible, Psalm 7:6)

the underlying root of poverty to be dealt with. Ask the Lord to supply the needs of those families in the 10/40 Window who feel they must sell their children. Pray for Christian humanitarian agencies to provide for them, teach them how to increase their income, and proclaim to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (The Bible, Proverbs 29:7)

all of those involved in pedophilia – the perpetrators, the governments who allow it, the profiteers, and the victims – to hear the Good News that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and rose again. Pray for them to respond to the Lord’s invitation to eternal life. (The Bible, Romans 5:8)

the Kingdom of God to come to the nations of the 10/40 Window – especially those regions where pedophilia is rampant – transforming them from dark strongholds of demonic perversity into sources of light and life where righteous, peace, and joy abound. (The Bible, Colossians 1:13, Romans 14:17)

Prayer moves the hand of God. Once there is sustained, strategic, and informed prayer in the 10/40 Window, we will witness massive numbers of unreached people coming to Christ. Pray that it will happen in our generation. - Beverly Pegues